The FCA Emerging Leader Experience (ELE) is a year-long leadership development program designed to equip students with the skills, knowledge, and heart to become leaders in their schools and communities. Participants will engage in leadership training, community outreach, networking, and fundraising efforts, all while growing in their faith!

The ELE program is open to students who will be in 8th - 12th grade students during the 2025-2026 school year. We welcome students from all backgrounds who are eager to grow as leaders and make an impact for Christ.

The program is built around four key pillars:

• In-Depth Leadership Training: 7 sessions from September to April focused on building leadership skills.
• Community Outreach: Hands-on experiences that encourage students to give back to their communities.
• Networking: Opportunities to connect with other student leaders and like-minded believers from across Florida.
• Fundraising for the 101 SLU Trip: Participants will fundraise for the Student Leadership University (SLU) 101 trip to enhance their leadership experience.

ELE runs from September 2025 to April 2026 each year, with seven sessions spread throughout that time. The specific dates for each session will be shared upon acceptance into the program.

There is no cost to participate in the FCA Emerging Leader Experience, but it is important to know that there is fundraisng involved by the students to attend the SLU101 Summer Intensive. The total fundraised cost is around $800 due by April each year, which includes room, food, conference admissions, and spending money. The summer intensive is not optional and is a vital part of the program. 

FCA ELE is honored to partner with Student Leadership University (SLU) and help students fundraise to attend the SLU summer intensives, starting with SLU101, a four-day intensive in Orlando, FL.! The SLU trip is an immersive, transformative experience designed to further develop the leadership potential of students. The fundraising efforts will support the cost of this trip, providing participants with a life-changing opportunity to learn, grow, and experience leadership firsthand.

Applications will open on February 1st for the 2025-2026 class. We encourage all interested students to apply early to secure their spot. The application link will be available on our website starting February 1st. 

After you submit your application, you will be redirected to a page where you can schedule your Zoom interview. Please note that at least one parent or guardian needs to be on the call with you! If you don't immediately schedule an interview, a follow-up email or text will be sent with the link to the schedule page. We encourage students to schedule their interviews earlier rather than later.

Participants should be prepared to fully engage in all program activities, including attending the seven leadership sessions, participating in community outreach projects, networking with fellow student leaders, and fundraising for the SLU trip. The program will require time, energy, and dedication, but it will be a rewarding experience.

By participating in the FCA Emerging Leader Experience, students will:

• Gain valuable leadership skills that will serve them throughout their lives.
• Build lasting friendships with fellow student leaders and believers.
• Develop a deeper connection with their faith.
• Learn how to give back to their communities through service and outreach.
• Be prepared to take on leadership roles in their schools and future endeavors.

If you have additional questions or would like more information, feel free to contact our ELE Coordinator, Rebekah at bfirmin@fca.org or visit our website regularly for updates.